Funding committed for Moreton Bay Ferry Service study
Published 18 October 2024
City of Moreton Bay has welcomed a $250,000 funding commitment toward the next phase of our Moreton Bay Ferry Service demand analysis study if Labor are elected.
The Moreton Bay Ferry Service, colloquially known as Bay Cats, would connect City of Moreton Bay’s coastal hubs including Redcliffe, Bribie Island and Scarborough to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal and Brisbane CBD, providing access to much-needed public transport, alleviate congestion especially on the Bruce Highway, and also open up tourism opportunities.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the next phase of funding would include an infrastructure review, wave assessment, ferry terminal design, intermodal connectivity and vessel review.
“Bay Cats are one of City of Moreton Bay’s many innovative solutions to proactively plan for significant growth as our population booms.
“Not only will a Moreton Bay Ferry Service take cars off the road to alleviate congestion, in particular on the Bruce Highway, there are significant economic benefits including tourism and maritime industry potential.
“With congestion consistently rating as one of the highest stress factors for locals in their lives, we wanted to explore the use of the Bay’s stunning expanse of sheltered waters to help people get around.
“Council’s initial study has already identified demand for this kind of ferry service for both commuters and visitors.
“The study indicated that a total of 143,509 commuter and visitor trips could be saved per year (689 per day) and in around 60 percent of cases, travel to locations on the Bay is quicker by water than by bus or car.
“This is a golden opportunity in the lead up to, and during the Olympics and Paralympics, to also make City of Moreton Bay a ‘must visit’ destination.
“We welcome funding for the next phase of our Moreton Bay Ferry Service demand analysis study. This will help future-proof City of Moreton Bay, providing more transport infrastructure for our growing city, and ensure it’s a place where our community, economy, lifestyles and environment prosper together.”